Beginning Parrot Suggestions

[May55]

Hello.
I am planning (with my boyfriend) to get my first parrot in about a year, but we are still very undecided in which species we specifically want.

The 3 birds we have become interested in are the lovebird, the quaker parrot, and the macaw. My boyfriend is keen on having us get a Macaw (many years in the future of course).

I was thinking of a Quaker but I am unsure because I am told they only bond to one person. Is it possible to have it bond to 2 people?

I'm mainly looking for a species of bird that can bond with at least 2 people and is good for a beginner/novice. We don't really mind the sizing or noise of the bird. I am also not sure if snuggling/affection is a personality trait or a species trait, but we also want one that will snuggle. Any suggestions?

[Wolf]

There is really no such thing as a beginners bird, however I would suggest that you consider a pair of cockatiels to begin with. They should meet with most if not all of your specifications.

[pennyandrocky]

wolf is right there are no beginner birds. I would suggest you and your boyfriend find a rescue to volunteer at where you can meet different types of birds and get the experience without the long term commitment that comes with any bird. for me it has always worked out best when the bird chooses me.

[May55]

Sorry I did not imply that there is a beginner bird. I just meant a bird that does not require to have much experience. I have researched that bigger parrots tend to require more 'experience' from an owner and it should never be a first pet.

I would suggest you and your boyfriend find a rescue to volunteer at where you can meet different types of birds and get the experience without the long term commitment that comes with any bird.

I have looked into some rescue places (it seems that there is one in my area that I can locate) but I am unsure if I can fit it in to my work schedule.

I have had interesting encounters with Quaker parrots. Do you know if they can bond to more than one person?

[revika]

Also depending on where you guys will live? Are you both going to have your own home? Or are you currently in an apartment?

Quakers are very loud. They can easily leave my ears ringing. So obviously just keep that in mind. IMO the majority of birds, when not socialized enough, will maintain a "1-person" mentality which could encourage mate attraction (and you don't want that). The quaker I had was closest to me but that was because I was the only one who ever really tried interacting with her.

[May55]

Also depending on where you guys will live? Are you both going to have your own home? Or are you currently in an apartment?

Quakers are very loud. They can easily leave my ears ringing. So obviously just keep that in mind. IMO the majority of birds, when not socialized enough, will maintain a "1-person" mentality which could encourage mate attraction (and you don't want that). The quaker I had was closest to me but that was because I was the only one who ever really tried interacting with her.

We are going to be moving to a house next year, which is when we will be getting our feathered friend, so we don't have to worry about angry neighbours (Which is why I didn't mention noise). So if both of us spend time with the birds (both with training and in general affection) it generally won't bond with one person?

[Michael]

I wouldn't compeltely rule out macaw IF you do a ton of research AND hands on practice (rescue/store/club). I am finding more difficulty arouns the medium parrots (grey, eclectus, too, amazon) than small and large. Macaws aren't especially difficult birds but they are big birds with beak beaks and big mess/expenses. I find it harder to recommend a Grey as a first bird than a macaw if the right prepations are made and circumstances allow.

[revika]

Also depending on where you guys will live? Are you both going to have your own home? Or are you currently in an apartment?

Quakers are very loud. They can easily leave my ears ringing. So obviously just keep that in mind. IMO the majority of birds, when not socialized enough, will maintain a "1-person" mentality which could encourage mate attraction (and you don't want that). The quaker I had was closest to me but that was because I was the only one who ever really tried interacting with her.

We are going to be moving to a house next year, which is when we will be getting our feathered friend, so we don't have to worry about angry neighbours (Which is why I didn't mention noise). So if both of us spend time with the birds (both with training and in general affection) it generally won't bond with one person?

Ah I see! Well congrats on getting a home soon!

Yes, but of course, each bird (what with their own personality and preferences) will have a favorite person and a liked person and a whatever person and these people can easily switch places from 2nd to 1st on a different day. As long as you both spend equal time and training and little backsliding, I'm fairly confident the bird will be fine with you both. Sometimes during the hormonal changes for breeding, one of you may be chosen as a mate (even with good socializing) and there are a lot of articles on how to dissuade that kind of behavior because it is often followed by being aggressive towards non-mate parties.

[JaydeParrot]

A blue headed pionus is about twice the size of a quaker and is said to be very calm, there are also other types of pionus.

[AnarchoBoxer]

I think you've been given great advice here. Let me also throw in a recommendation for a green cheeked conure. At least for me, it's been pretty smooth sailing with Tuco. He has huge personality and is an extremely loving, sweet, and dynamic bird. As for lovebirds, I used to sort of be afraid of them until my girlfriend got one - it's totally adorable and a bigtime sweetheart, even though she has the hormonal rage right now. I do think it's louder than my green cheek, but it isn't that bad.

Every day I think more and more, that there's no "beginner bird", but that they all have very similar challenges. I think you either have the patience, emotional capacity, and desire/ability to learn to care for birds, or you do not. Unfortunately the same is true for most pets, which might account for all the unhealthy dogs and cats in rescues.